Each year, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize our volunteers, staff members, donors, partners and board members at our annual meeting. This year’s Pillars of the Community event, held on Sept. 25, included a reception with delicious treats by Chef Melinda; live music by guitarist Gal Drimmer; the National Anthem performed by Arizona State University student Haley Reed; an update on EVJCC programming by Rabbi Michael Beyo, EVJCC CEO; the introduction of the EVJCC’s new board chair, Aaron Blau; and an award presentation. More than 70 people attended.
Rabbi Michael Beyo, EVJCC CEO, introduced the EVJCC’s six departments: Jewish Life & Learning; Arts & Culture; Early Childhood Learning Center; Camp Rimon, Youth & Family; Center for Holocaust Education and Human Dignity; and CORE: Community, Outreach, Relationships and Engagement. He also thanked EVJCC staff members and board members.
The new EVJCC board chair, Aaron Blau, whose mom, Ilene Blau, was the EVJCC’s first executive director, spoke about growing up at the JCC. Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke addressed the crowd and accepted an award for the City of Chandler.
Here are some photos from the evening:
Association. Bottom right: Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke.
Rich Kasper, president and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, whose son attended the EVJCC’s preschool at its previous location, spoke about what the EVJCC meant to his family.
Honorees not pictured are: Brianna Williams, Karen Perna, AZ Cardinal Charities, AZ Diamondbacks-Chase, Albertsons/Safeway/Vons Foundation, Season of Sharing – AZ Republic and the Sundt Foundation.
